ANTHONY LE TALLEC has admitted his error in taking on Reds' boss Rafa Benitez - after playing another 90 minutes for Liverpool reserves last night.

ANTHONY LE TALLEC has admitted his error in taking on Reds' boss Rafa Benitez - after playing another 90 minutes for Liverpool reserves last night.

The French forward (right) today confessed he made 'a big mistake' by demanding a return to his homeland where he has endured an unsuccessful loan-spell at St Etienne.

But now he has been recalled, he is determined to show he deserves his second chance.

"I made a big mistake. I accept that. I wanted to go on loan because I wanted to play a full season of first team football and I thought I would get that in France," he said.

"But things went wrong for me over there. The manager changed the system of play and I got an injury which kept me out for two months. It just didn't work out for me at all.

"Looking back now it was the wrong decision for me to have made. I should have stayed here and fought for my place. I'm young and I just wanted to play.

On his Anfield comeback, Le Tallec added: "When I heard that Liverpool wanted me back I was very happy. This is still my club and England is still the best league to play in.

"The manager has been very honest with me. He told me I must start training with the reserve players at Mel-wood and then if I do well I can train with the first team again. That's a normal situation and I accept that.

"I have taken over the number 13 shirt - hopefully it won't be unlucky for me!"

Benitez, meanwhile, has admitted fit-again Vladimir Smicer is playing for a new Anfield contract.

Smicer made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute during Tuesday's win at Charlton after recovering from knee surgery.

"He doesn't have much time left but if he comes in and scores ten goals before the end of the season then what would we do? It's obvious," said the boss.